Garaga flicked his long tongue, his enormous golden vertical pupils scanning the icy mist from side to side. In a muffled voice, he said, "Naruto, don't summon me to a place this cold!"
Even Garaga, a great serpent capable of wielding natural energy, hated severe cold just as much as ordinary snakes did.
At that moment, Garaga's massive body had crushed a large number of ice mirrors. The shattered ice fragments mingled with the moisture in the air, forming a dense icy fog around them and causing the temperature to plummet.
Standing atop Garaga's head, Naruto said anxiously, "I'm sorry, but the enemy is too powerful this time. I can only rely on you!"
"Where's the enemy?" As Garaga surveyed his surroundings, he complained, "Weren't you always in Konoha? Why are you in this godforsaken place?"
Naruto answered, "This is Konoha!"
Garaga was somewhat surprised. "This is Konoha?"
Standing beside Naruto atop Garaga's head, Sakura mustered her courage and explained, "Lord Garaga, this enemy is a ninja who can use Ice Release ninjutsu!"
Having quickly adapted to the environment, Garaga finally understood and snorted. "Hmph, so it's Ice Release ninjutsu!"
At that moment, an ice mirror floated before Garaga.
Haku appeared in the ice mirror and said, "There is actually no need for us to fight."
Naruto demanded, "If your companion were in danger, would you stand by and do nothing?"
Haku was visibly stunned inside the ice mirror, then shook his head. "No!"
Naruto shouted, "Neither would we! Move aside and stop blocking our way!"
Haku replied just as firmly, "I understand your resolve, but I cannot let you interfere with Kimimaro. So no matter what, please remain here for now!"
Garaga snorted. "Hmph, you overconfident brat. With someone as tiny as you, do you think you can stop